An important component of every medicinal herb garden
Lady's mantle, a perennial herb, is an important plant in any medicinal herb garden. Even the Germanic tribes valued this herb and dedicated it to Frigga, the goddess of nature and fertility. Its name refers to its large, mantle-shaped leaves. From May to August, the plant displays a profuse, though somewhat inconspicuous, yellowish inflorescence. Medicinal uses: The above-ground parts of the plant, harvested during the flowering period from May to August, are used medicinally. The plants are rich in tannins, and their most important effects include their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to these effects, the herb can help with mild gastrointestinal issues and menstrual cramps. A popular remedy is lady's mantle tea, for which 3 teaspoons of the dried herb are steeped in a cup of boiling water. After steeping for 10 minutes, the tea is strained, and 3 cups are drunk warm in small sips throughout the day. The slightly bitter, yet pleasant taste of fresh leaves also makes the herb a tangy addition to wild herb salads or soups.
Natural habitat: Alchemilla is found almost exclusively in the Old World of the Northern Hemisphere and grows primarily in mountainous regions along stream banks, in damp meadows, on embankments, and in montane to alpine pastures.
